A GROUP of architectural design experts has praised York’s high standards of building, as they assess entries for this year’s York Design Awards.

The four judges spent two days viewing the 23 entries for this year’s awards.

Robert Adam, world-acclaimed architect and chair of the judging panel, said the awards help reinforce the message that good design, and good conservation, is vital to keep York special.

“What has been so interesting is to see that commitment to quality applied not just on “blockbuster” projects but also on smaller, less spectacular schemes.”

Mr Adam is joined on the panel this year by historic buildings adviser Peter de Figueiredo; Emma England, director of RIBA in Yorkshire, and Dr Hendrik Louw, senior lecturer at Newcastle University’s school of architecture, planning and landscape.

The winners, categorised into new build, conservation and public realm, will be announced on June 28.